Culture Flashcards
Overview
Home to an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, not to mention one of Wirral’s finest Blue Flag beaches, you’ll never struggle for things to do in New Brighton.
Wander along the promenade and around Marine Point, a hive of activity following an £80m redevelopment, and take your pick from a range of restaurants – from big-name chains to charming independents – catch a film at the state-of-the-art eight-screen cinema, or take in a show at the recently-rebuilt Floral Pavilion. (Onward Living)
New Brighton has always been home to lots of entertainment sources from the floral pavilion with shows and music, the old ballroom where musicians such as the Beatles used to play and the growing collection of bars and restaurants on the waterfront. Places such as marine street social and marino lounge are unique to the area. There’s a range of things to do.
attitudes and beliefs
After World War 1, New Brighton suffered from major decline due to lack of maintenance. However, after the regeneration of New Brighton between the late 20th century and early 21st century, it has been a thriving place for tourism and leisure ever since. It is believed that the pier to walk along was a particular favourite for many visitors and tourists.
However, despite all these things, in a recent newspaper article, critiques from the consumer watchdog “Which” claimed New Brighton to be one of the worst beaches in the UK. This had made the MyWirral editor for the Liverpool ECHO (A local), very upset and wrote about how New Brighton was one of the most peaceful and quietest places and scored a 60% overall for a beach that was peaceful and quiet, value for money and scenery and attractions.
poems
There have been a few poems written about New Brighton itself or from poets and authors that are located in the area of New brighton.
One of these poems being ‘The River Mersey and The Black Pearl New Brighton’ which was written by Thomas Mansfield and released in 2015.
Thomas Mansfield has written multiple poems focusing on the nature of New Brighton, some of these being:
- The Black Pearl Poem
- Black Pearl Pirate Ship versus Hurricane Bertha
‘Let the Caribee and sultry sea call to the pirates bold.
But on this shore, with its tales of lore, The Mersey keeps its hold
For merchants, priests and pirates too left these docks to find
A new life abroad with bible or sword, leaving their old life far behind’
- A stanza from Mansfield’s poem.
literature
The author, Tony Franks-Buckley, has written 3 books that capture the history of New Brighton, more specifically the pirates and smugglers that were known in New Brighton during the 19th Century. The three books in his collection: - New Brighton, A Victorian Seaside - Wallasey Days Gone By - Around Wallasey and New Brighton
All three of these books were released in 2012 and all focus on New Brighton from the 19th to the 21st century.
Another author who lives around New Brighton is Ramsey Campbell. He is a horror fiction writer who has been writing for over 50 years. He has released over 30 novels and over hundreds of short novels, the first one having been released in the mid 60s. One of his most popular novellas being ‘The Enigma of the Flat Policeman’.
travel writing
VisitWirral describes New Brighton as a ‘thriving seaside town’ that is known for walking, water sports, cyclists and families. It has attractions such as an arcade, a cinema, a theatre and a marine lake. Another main attraction is the extensive beach, with a Victorian era lighthouse and fort perch rock.
Other walking attractions include the mermaid trail and the street art trail. Reviews of the mermaid trail say that it is ‘detailed and photogenic’ and ‘adds to the joy of wandering round this seaside resort’.
Music
Floral Pavilion
A theatre situated on the promenade which presents a mix of comedy, music and children’s shows including a Christmas pantomime.
The original theatre opened in 1913 (open air summer theatre) and then in 1925 was covered in an iron and glass roof. Then in the 1960s it was largely rebuilt.
Demolished in 2007 and redeveloped with a new design in 2008.
First act to perform after reopening was Ken Dodd.
Music
New Brighton is and has been a host to many music events. For example:
The Pop Concert ‘New Brighton Rock’ was held over 2 days in the open-air swimming pool in 1984. It featured artists such as Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Spandau Ballet, Madness and Gloria Gaynor
Vale Park Bandstand host a variety of acts from orchestras to bands to Joy Time in the summer (a talent show for kids)
Rockpoint Records - a record shop and bar
Bands in Pubs such as The Magazines and the Stanley’s Cask
Art
Art
New Brighton Street Art
Centered around Victoria Road
Started in 2018
Led by Rockpoint Leisure
Over 20 pieces have been created from pieces by local artists to international artists
Many of the murals have a story to tell for example MUG’s portrait of Mike Jones celebrates 40 years with the RNLI whilst also recognising that great institution
Adds a bit of vibrance to the seaside town
Film
Film
Many film and tv shows have been shot in New Brighton. For example:
The Almond and the Seahorse - starring Rebel Wilson
Sky’s political drama COBRA where a disaster scene was filmed on the promenade
Florence Foster Jenkins - starring Hugh Grant and Meryl Streep
